Healthy ways to satisfy your sweet cravings
What's the story
Fruit candies are a favorite among many, but they can be loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. For those looking for healthier options, several alternatives can satisfy sweet cravings without compromising on nutrition. These alternatives are not just lower in sugar but also packed with natural flavors and nutrients. Here are five healthier alternatives to traditional fruit candies that you can try today.
Natural sweetness
Dried fruits with no added sugar
Dried fruits make for a sweet and chewy treat, minus the added sugars most candies have. Opt for unsweetened versions of dried mangoes, apricots, or apples to relish the natural sweetness of the fruit itself. They are high in fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chewy delight
Fruit leather made from pureed fruit
Fruit leather is made by pureeing fruit and drying it into thin sheets. Unlike traditional fruit candies, fruit leather usually has no added sugars or preservatives. It retains most of the nutrients of fresh fruit while giving a chewy texture similar to candy. Look for brands that list whole fruits as the only ingredient for the best nutritional value.
Creamy crunch
Yogurt-covered raisins or nuts
Yogurt-covered raisins or nuts make for a delicious combination of creamy and crunchy textures. The yogurt coating is usually made from milk powder and sugar, but it is much less than what is there in regular candies. Raisins give you natural sweetness, and nuts give you protein and healthy fats, making this snack both tasty and nutritious.
Fruity indulgence
Fresh fruit skewers with dark chocolate drizzle
Fresh fruit skewers drizzled with dark chocolate make for an indulgent yet healthier alternative to traditional fruit candies. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants without too much sugar when compared to milk chocolates. Pairing it with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas gives you vitamins and minerals along with the rich flavor of chocolate.
Refreshing treat
Homemade fruit popsicles
Homemade fruit popsicles are an easy way to control what goes into your treats while enjoying the refreshing taste of fruits. Simply blend fresh fruits with water or coconut milk, pour into molds, and freeze for a few hours. You get a deliciously cool snack without any artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup found in store-bought versions.